AFL wins irrelevant for Hodge as end nears

Roger VaughanAAP
Hawthorn star Luke Hodge feels it's time to let more junior Hawks grow into their roles.
Camera IconHawthorn star Luke Hodge feels it's time to let more junior Hawks grow into their roles.

One last AFL finals campaign is irrelevant to Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge.

The former Hawks captain has announced he will retire at the end of the season, with his team now pushing for a top-eight berth.

They have had two wins and a draw, leaving them a game and a half outside of eighth spot.

Hawthorn's improved form, plus Hodge's 300-game milestone and his retirement confirmation, set up a massive game this Saturday against fierce rivals Geelong.

But Hodge, one of the game's toughest players, said he is retiring because he does not want to keep a younger teammate out of their AFL side.

In the twilight of Hodge's career, it is all about development.

"The win-loss ratio to us is irrelevant at this stage. The finals are irrelevant," Hodge said.

"What we do is we have to focus on what we've done in the last month, play the footy that we have.

"If we get enough wins, so be it.

"But there's a bigger picture on where we're trying to get as a team."

A lot of Hodge's legend is because of his September heroics.

He won two Norm Smith Medals and was crucial to Hawthorn's four premierships under coach Alastair Clarkson.

Hawks legend and former club football director Jason Dunstall said Hodge is among the club's greatest players.

"His impact is as a big as anyone there," Dunstall told Fox Footy.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson says Hodge is a once in a generation player, renowned above all else for putting his club and teammates first.

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